Addiction ends where hope starts.
Teen Challenge Southeast is putting hope within reach of those struggling with addiction. Through our programs for men, women, boys, and girls, life-transformation happens every day at each of our centers across the Southeast region.
If you or a loved one is ready to start the journey of recovery, call our Hope line at 855-934-HOPE (4673), or click the link below.
Jason’s Story
“I spent most of my life trying to please others, fit in, and be a part of the “cool crowd”. Before I knew it, I was in a mess. I was caught up in addiction with nowhere to turn. I came to Teen Challenge in January of 2017 and shortly after I gave my life to Christ. It was a rough beginning, but through a relationship with Christ, I was able to adapt to the regulations and discipline of the program that were implemented to help me make a lasting change. As a result of sticking with it, my life completely transformed.
I graduated in February of 2018 and now live in the same community as the program with my wife and son. I continue to stay involved with the center and welcome any opportunity to serve Teen Challenge, whether it be by cooking a meal, helping teach Christian classes, or simply spending time at the center.
Recovery has changed many aspects of my life. It has repaired my relationship with God and my relationship with my wife and family. I continue to live a much healthier life by spending time in the Word of God and applying the teachings of Teen Challenge to my everyday life. Now that I am in recovery, I finally have a future. I plan to continue to live for the Lord and stay connected to the ministry so that I can lead others to find the same hope I have found in Jesus Christ.”
Brett’s Story
“I was born and raised in South Florida with my identical twin brother. Growing up, he was my closest friend. Our home environment was abusive and performance-drive, so we both struggled with identity issues, shame, and feelings of failure. Thankfully, we always had each other to lean on.
As teenagers, we turned to drugs to find comfort and acceptance. The lifestyle quickly consumed both of us. At the age of 28, after many years in addiction, my brother and I were involved in a tragic car accident. This, unfortunately, took his life and put me on my deathbed fighting for my life. After suffering a broken neck, back, and hip, I went through several months of physical therapy to learn how to function again without being disabled. Afterward, I turned right back to pain pills. I thought they would help me deal with the pain of losing my brother. I was wrong.
After entertaining that lifestyle for a year, I finally realized there was a void within me that no amount of drugs could fill. That’s when I entered Teen Challenge where I found the hope and healing I needed through Christ. I have been set free from the addiction that bound me for years. Today, my former pain serves a greater purpose—to serve Christ. I have been in the ministry of Teen Challenge for eight years now, and I am thankful to get to use my passion to help others find freedom from addiction.“
Kasey’s Story
“I struggled with an addiction to prescription drugs for over 10 years. I didn’t believe that there was any hope for me to ever live a successfully sober life. Against all odds, my hope was revived when I got the opportunity to come to Teen Challenge. When I entered the program, God began to transform me from the inside out, and the staff and interns helped guide me in the direction that was best for my life. I am thrilled to say that I was finally set free from the addiction that controlled my life for over a decade!
Now, by His grace, I get the privilege of being on staff at a local women’s center. I am thankful for the opportunity to lead other women to freedom in Christ and watch the transformation take place in their lives on a daily basis. The greatest lesson I learned through my program is that I can’t go through recovery on my own—I need the Lord every second of every day. I now surround myself with people who positively influence me and I make sure that I have plenty of accountability to keep me on the right track. Now that I am in recovery, my perspective on life has totally changed…I see there is so much hope for my future. I dream of one day having a happy, healthy family and continuing to serve in the Teen Challenge ministry. “
We asked Teen Challenge graduate Christie some questions about recovery. Here’s what she had to say.
In your own words, how would you define recovery?
To me, recovery is a process of inward healing that only comes from allowing Jesus to transform you and coming to the realization that temporary highs can never give you lasting, meaningful satisfaction.
Tell us about someone who was instrumental in your recovery process.
My mom was a huge part of my recovery process. She gave me hope when I had no hope. She never gave up and she believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.
Have you been through other recovery programs before Teen Challenge?
I have been to other programs, but nothing has touched my life the way that Teen Challenge has.
What did your recovery process look like?
I went through other addiction recovery programs, but they did not lead me to the Cross where true freedom comes. I used to have the mindset of “once an addict, always an addict”, but I know now that the Bible says I am a new creation in Christ!
What is one of the greatest lessons you learned about recovery?
That you never have to identify as an addict again once you surrender your life to Jesus. There is freedom from addiction and you can walk in that freedom every day of your life!
Tell us about life in recovery.
Life after recovery has been so sweet. I have new confidence in knowing that Jesus is with me wherever I go. There are days that emotions get the best of me and I want to quit, but I know that I know I have been set free! My mission in life is from the Lord.
What’s your favorite part of life in recovery?
My favorite part is being able to go to a restaurant and being offered alcohol only to respond with, “I don’t drink”…with a smile of course! I now get to enjoy every moment with family and friends without regrets.
What are you doing now?
I am currently the program assistant and ELP Training Facilitator at a Teen Challenge adolescent program.
What would you say to someone who is in need of freedom from addiction?
It is never too late, you are not too far gone, and your life is worth it! Reach out to someone you trust for help. If there is no one you can trust, take a leap of faith and ask God to show Himself to you in order to get the help you need.
Why should others seek recovery at Teen Challenge?
Teen Challenge has a foundation built on Jesus. There is no other program like ours out there. We have dedicated leadership that walks with you through your healing process to help you gain freedom and breakthrough.
Bailey’s Story
“Life had left me incredibly wounded. I found myself living in a drug dealer’s house with no job, begging for scraps, thinking that this was all life had to offer. I was ready to give up, but God had a bigger plan for my life. I went to a doctor for help, and they recommended Teen Challenge to me, so I decided to give it a try.
In my first 30 days in the program, I had to fight the urge to quit. Thankfully, my parents told me that I wasn’t going to be accepted into their house until I graduated. The boundary they set really opened my eyes to see the reality of how bad I had allowed things to get. From that moment on, I started pursuing my recovery more seriously, and most importantly, I began a relationship with Christ. I went on to complete the program and answer the call to ministry by accepting an internship at a men’s center.
Now that I am in recovery, I wake up every day with a purpose. I am so thankful I didn’t give up during my rough season. Today, I am 5 months into my internship, and consider it an honor to help others who are desperately struggling like I once was. My plans for the future are to continue to help others—period! I want to be a vessel for the Lord and to share the hope I have been given.“
Kate’s Story
“On August 10, 2018, I overdosed on heroin. I was in the hospital for a month in a coma and on life support. When I woke up, I had lost everything—including my children. I had no hope. I had been struggling with addiction for almost twenty years. I had tried secular rehabs, medications, and many doctors, but could never stay clean. A social worker came to the hospital and told me that if I had survived an overdose like that, then I had a purpose in life and I couldn’t give up. She asked me if I would be willing to try a faith-based program called Teen Challenge. I was so tired, I knew I had to do something or I was going to die.
On September 8, 2018, I left the hospital, got on a greyhound bus, and seven hours later arrived at Teen Challenge. Now here I am, almost one year later, and for the first time in almost twenty years… I am clean! The staff took me in and loved me until I could love myself. It has been a long, hard road full of pain and loss that brought me to this point in my life.
God is so good! Of all the places I could have ended up after all of the horrible choices I have made, He loved me enough to pull me out of my mess and gently place me here. I have been saved and I am a new creation! I’m not yet who I want to be but by the grace of God, I am not who I was. The greatest lesson I have learned from Teen Challenge is there is a God, and he is faithful and trustworthy. There is freedom from addiction and it is only through his Son Jesus. I will be forever graetful to Teen Challenge for saving my life and introducing me to Jesus Christ.“
Lettie’s Story
“Alcohol has been the greatest demon I’ve fought in my life. I’ve had a tug-of-war battle with alcoholism for nearly half of my life, with seasons of both victories and defeats. I turned to alcohol to numb my pain, but doing so only offered false promises of comfort. I got a wakeup call on my 53rd birthday when I woke up in the ICU. The ER doctor said that I was moments from death. I realized, then, that God spared my life for a reason, and I wanted to find out His purpose for my life. That’s when I found hope through Teen Challenge.
Since being in the program, I have been given the tools I need to finally find sobriety and overcome 25 years of addiction. Through godly counseling, I’ve learned healthy ways to deal with the difficulties of life instead of turning to a bottle. Most importantly, God has softened my heart and brought back the capacity for me to love and receive love. He opened my heart to change. I now have hope that it’s never too late to fulfill my God-given purpose. I believe that the best is yet to come in my service to the Lord.”
Quan’s Story – Watch now!
We asked Teen Challenge graduate Scotty some questions about recovery. Here’s what he had to say.
In your own words, how would you define recovery?
I can sum up the word Recovery in one word: Freedom. Freedom from the bondage of sin and substance. Freedom to finally achieve the purpose and potential that God has ordained for my life.
Tell us about someone who was instrumental in your recovery process.
My father has been pivotal in my recovery process. He’s always been there for me. He never enabled me in my addiction, but he acted as a healthy support system when I was starting to get my footing.
Have you been through other recovery programs?
I went to a detox facility that consisted of 7 days of detox and 21 days of rehab. It was like a resort with medication. They kept me so medicated and distracted with activities that as soon as I got out I was ready for a relapse. I was not equipped with the tools I needed to overcome drug addiction, nor did I feel as though I was set up for long-term success.
What about Teen Challenge worked for you?
The main aspect of the Teen Challenge experience that worked for me was the relationship I gained with Jesus Christ. I couldn’t beat addiction in my own human strength–I needed the help of a Higher Power. Through Christ, I found hope for recovery.
What did your recovery process look like?
I needed to be brought to a place where recovery was my only option. I came to Teen Challenge after having a seizure at an NA meeting. I was at such a low point in my life that I was finally ready to make a change.
What are you doing now?
I now work for the Teen Challenge admissions department. I am thankful to help others suffering from addiction get into the program that saved my life.
Tell us about life in recovery.
Life has been great. Being a graduate of the program has made it possible for me to not only love people again but to also love myself and my life. My relationship with my family is being restored, I’m surrounded by godly friends and community, and I have a great career.
What would you say to someone who is in need of freedom from addiction?
I would tell them that there is hope no matter how bleak it looks. There is no one too far gone from the redeeming power of Christ.
Why should others seek recovery at Teen Challenge?
Teen Challenge is not just a rehabilitation facility. This is an organization that is truly making a difference and saving souls. Call our Hopeline today if you or a loved one is in need of recovery!
Why would you recommend someone support Teen Challenge?
People are dying every day from addiction, but they can do something to make a difference. One of the best ways to support the ministry is through the power of prayer. Many people around the world pray for our centers on a daily basis, and I believe that is one of the main reasons for the success of Teen Challenge. If someone is blessed to be able to give financially, then I would advise them to do so. Their investment is making an eternal impact.
We asked Teen Challenge graduate Tyler some questions about recovery. Here’s what he had to say:
In your own words, how would you define recovery?
Recovery is a lifestyle of taking that which was broken and making it whole.
Tell us about someone who was instrumental in your recovery process.
My mother was always in my corner hoping to see me get the freedom I desired. Once she stopped enabling me, I was forced to get real about recovery and fully submit to the process of change.
Have you been through other recovery programs?
I went through several treatment facilities before Teen Challenge.
What did your recovery process look like?
My recovery process was a long one. I had been trying to get sober since the age of 17 and didn’t find my freedom until 25. It was full of relapses and failure. Walking in victory today is an amazing blessing.
What about Teen Challenge worked for you?
The length of the program and Jesus. The program is designed to be at least a year-long for a reason. It took every bit of a year for me to start renewing my mind and walking in my identity in Christ Jesus!
What is one of the greatest lessons you learned about recovery?
Recovery is something you have to want and work for. It doesn’t come easy, but recovery is possible!
Tell us about life in recovery.
Life after recovery is freeing. The broken things of the past start to be made whole once again. Our minds, bodies, and relationships begin the process of being mended.
Do you have any success tips for maintaining sobriety?
Consistency is the key! Maintain the same disciplines that you have put into practice to help you get sober. For me, I have to pray daily, stay grounded in my word, and grow in my devotion to the Lord. Giving back is essential! In some way, I have to give back and share the same hope that I found with others!
What are you doing now?
I am serving at Teen Challenge Southeast as the Training Coordinator.
What would you say to someone who is in need of freedom from addiction?
There is hope! You are not too far gone and nothing is too big or small in the eyes of God. Reach out today, we are not promised tomorrow!
Why should others seek recovery at Teen Challenge?
This program provides quality treatment with a holistic approach. I was able to put into practice everything that I learned in the program during real-life situations that occurred while enrolled as a student. God is very much alive in Teen Challenge and miracles are happening every day.
Why would you recommend someone support Teen Challenge?
Your investment–whether it’s time, energy, or resources–it all makes a difference. Teen Challenge is standing in the gap for a lost and broken world!
Donte’s Story
Around the age of 13, I was introduced to crack cocaine and began selling it. I became addicted to the fast money and the fast lifestyle, but it led me down a road of destruction. For years, I was in and out of jail and eventually became homeless. I had to scrape for food and panhandle for money to get high. At my lowest point, God gave me a revelation that there was a better life for me. That’s when my mother told me that I could find help at Teen Challenge.
After six months into the program, I stopped running and finally surrendered my life to God during a church service. I prayed, “Lord, I will do anything you want me to do. You can have my whole life.” At that moment, I felt the complete weight of guilt and shame lift off of my shoulders. I became a new man.
I now serve in an internship in the admissions department at the Teen Challenge Southeast Corporate office. It’s a privilege helping others enroll in our programs and find the same freedom I have found. Hope is a new life and a new beginning of being set free by the blood of Jesus.”
Delaney’s Story – Video Coming Soon!
“My life changed when I met my dad at age 7. He became a regular part of my life at that time, but he was a broken man with abusive behavior. When I was 13, he introduced me to drugs, and I began an addiction that kept me constantly chasing the next high. At age 15, I was put into the foster care system because my parents couldn’t take care of me. I felt betrayed by the two people who were supposed to protect me and love me more than anyone. I became angry at God and everyone else. By the time I was in 11th grade, I had been to seven different high schools, rehab, and juvenile detention center. I was broken, hopeless, and lost. At age 19, I hit my lowest point when I overdosed on painkillers. I finally surrendered to God and asked for Him to come and rescue me.
Within a week, I was in Teen Challenge. God has shown me I have never been alone and He has always loved me. He is the caring Father I have always needed. I thought this program was just going to help me get sober, but it has done so much more for me than I expected. I now have a relationship with Christ and I know who I am in Him. God has not only restored my relationship with my mom, but I am now getting to share God’s love with my dad. I have more than sobriety now—I have a purpose in life. I completed an internship with the local women’s home, and I am now on staff for an adolescent girls’ program where I get to help young people struggling with the same issues I have overcome. I am forever grateful to be able to help others find life in Christ.“
More Faces of Recovery coming soon!
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Teen Challenge Southeast
15 W 10th St • Columbus, Georgia 31901 USA
EMAIL: info@teenchallenge.cc OFFICE: (706) 596-8731 ADMISSIONS: (855)934-HOPE (4673)
